Council probes water contamination

The Mackay Regional Council has revealed it is investigating a major water contamination issue at the city's main treatment plant.

During yesterday's council meeting, councillor Frank Gilbert said contaminated raw water was supplied from the Dumbleton Weir on Christmas Eve.

The city was forced onto bore supplies while staff worked to treat the water.

He says if undetected, it would have posed a serious public health risk.

"Yes there would have been health risk but there wasn't any because of their diligence that none of the water is released until it meets national accreditation standards," he said.

Cr Gilbert says it appears to have been a chemical contaminant.

"Well we're testing the water and we're testing the samples but as you know it's very hard to point the finger at any particular individuals or companies or industry because we're never sure where it's exactly come from," he said.